Witton Gilbert Primary School provides a high level of support for any children with social and emotional needs. Often these needs are identified by parents prior to entry to our school and we work closely alongside parents to ensure a smooth transition into school. For example, shorter sessions until the child is more comfortable in the Reception environment.
At Witton Gilbert Primary School, all Reception children are allocated a Year 3 buddy to help familiarise them with new routines in school. We follow a social and emotional development programme in Year 2 called ‘Zippy’s Friends’ to support the development of children’s understanding of emotions. Children requiring additional support may be supported using tailored programs with trained teaching assistants such as ‘Zones of Regulation’ or ‘Therapeutic Story Writing’. Two members of staff are trained to deliver support to develop communication through the ‘Communicating with Children’ programme. In addition, a number of small groups are used to develop negotiation and turn taking skills which supports identified children in building friendships and developing social skills.
We ensure that the views of children are listened to and can provide a named adult, agreed with the child, who regularly checks how a child is managing and who is able to offer further support. Our practitioners are highly attuned to any changes in behaviour which may indicate any changing needs in this area.